What is Lenin Park?
Lenin Park Hanoi is a compact public park bordered by Điện Biên Phủ, Trần Phú, and Hoàng Diệu streets, directly across from the Hanoi Flag Tower and the former site of the Vietnam Military History Museum.
The park features a large bronze statue of Vladimir Lenin, an open paved plaza popular with skateboarders, and mature trees offering shade. It’s a quick and easy stop for anyone exploring the Ba Dinh area on foot. Don’t confuse it with the much larger Thong Nhat Park, which carried the same name (Lenin Park) until 2003.
History of the park
Elephant Lake and Early Park Origins
Before it became a public park, the area was known as Hồ Voi (Elephant Lake), named for the elephants once bathed there during imperial times. Between 1894 and 1897, the French colonial administration filled in the lake and created a park called Robin Flower Garden. Locals, however, often referred to it as the Farming Scenery Flower Garden (Vườn hoa Canh Nông), inspired by a statue of a farmer plowing with a buffalo that once stood there.
Chi Lăng Flower Garden & Post-Colonial Renaming
In 1945, after the Japanese coup against French rule, Hanoi’s new mayor, Trần Văn Lai, removed many colonial-era monuments and renamed public spaces. Robin Flower Garden was renamed Chi Lăng Flower Garden, in honor of a historic Vietnamese victory against Chinese invaders. Despite ongoing political changes, the park remained a public space used by locals for leisure throughout the post-war years.
Construction of the Lenin Monument (1982–1985)
In the early 1980s, plans were made to erect a statue of Vladimir Lenin as a gesture of friendship with the Soviet Union. The 5.2-meter-tall bronze statue was created with Soviet support and unveiled on August 20, 1985, just ahead of the 5th Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. It remains one of the few Lenin monuments in Southeast Asia.
Official Renaming to Lenin Park (2003)
The park was officially renamed Công viên Lê-nin (Lenin Park) in 2003 to reflect the presence of the statue. At the same time, the name “Lenin Park” was dropped from the much larger Thong Nhat Park, which had used it from 1980 to 2003. This renaming clarified the identity of both parks and linked this small triangular space more directly to its Soviet-inspired monument.
Highlights of Lenin Park today
Lenin Park is less about sightseeing and more about pausing to watch local life unfold. It’s a relaxed, open space where symbolism and street culture casually coexist. Here’s what you’ll notice during a visit:
1. The Lenin Statue
At the center of the park stands a 5.2-meter bronze statue of Vladimir Lenin, a rare sight in Southeast Asia. The statue faces the open plaza with a firm stance, one arm raised, and a simple plaque below reads “V. I. Lê Nin” in Vietnamese. It’s often photographed by curious visitors, though there’s no signage explaining its background.
2. Local life & Daily activities
Despite the monument’s political roots, Lenin Park today is very much a space for the public. Skateboarders and rollerbladers use the smooth plaza in front of the statue as an informal skate spot.
In the mornings, you’ll often see locals doing tai chi or morning stretches, while in the late afternoon, the space fills with kids playing football, riding toy cars, or just hanging out. It’s lively but never overwhelming.
3. A resting point for travelers
For visitors, the park offers a brief but pleasant break between more substantial sights. There are a few shaded benches under mature trees, and drink vendors sometimes set up nearby—a welcome sight on a hot Hanoi day. While it’s not a must-see in itself, it’s an easy place to rest, recharge, and observe the city’s rhythm.
4. View of the flag tower
One of the best features of the park is its unobstructed view of the Hanoi Flag Tower, just across Điện Biên Phủ Street. It’s a popular photo angle, especially in the morning light, when the flag catches the sun. If you’re planning to visit the tower or the Imperial Citadel, Lenin Park makes a natural stop just before or after.
How to visit Lenin Park
Lenin Park is a free public space, open at all hours, with no entrance gate or ticket required. You can simply walk in and enjoy the surroundings.
It’s located directly across from the Hanoi Flag Tower, near the main entrance of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel on Điện Biên Phủ Street. From the Old Quarter, it’s an easy 15–20 minute walk (about 1.5 km), or a quick ride by taxi or motorbike.
What’s nearby?
Lenin Park sits in the middle of one of Hanoi’s most historic districts. Here are several major landmarks you can easily reach on foot:
- Hanoi Flag Tower – Directly across the street; great photo view from the park.
- Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Main entrance is a short walk behind the Flag Tower.
- Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum – About a 5–7 minute walk down the street.
- Temple of Literature – Located just behind the Fine Arts Museum; around 10–12 minutes on foot.
- Ho Chi Minh Complex – Includes the Mausoleum, Stilt House, and Presidential Palace; roughly a 10–15 minute walk west.
